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February 23, 2025 – Turkey –
Several prominent press freedom organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), have strongly condemned the recent arrest and mistreatment of Azerbaijani journalists Ulviyya Ali and Ahmad Mammadli. These condemnations highlight the increasing repression of independent media and the dangerous environment for journalists in Azerbaijan.
Ulviyya Ali and Ahmad Mammadli, known for their critical reporting and commitment to free journalism, were detained by Azerbaijani authorities amid a broader crackdown on independent voices in the country. Reports indicate that both journalists faced abusive treatment during their detention, raising serious concerns about human rights violations.
The IFJ and EFJ have called for their immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists’ rights to report freely without fear of arrest or intimidation. They condemned the use of vague charges that are often leveraged by authorities to silence dissent and curb press freedom.
This incident is part of a wider pattern of increasing pressure on journalists and media outlets in Azerbaijan, where critical reporting is frequently met with harassment, legal persecution, and physical violence. The international press community has raised alarms over the shrinking space for free expression and the erosion of democratic principles in the country.
Both Ulviyya Ali and Ahmad Mammadli have been active voices exposing corruption and human rights abuses, making them targets in the government’s efforts to control the media narrative. Their arrests have sparked outrage among local journalists, human rights defenders, and global organizations advocating for press freedom.
The IFJ and EFJ urge Azerbaijani authorities to respect international standards on freedom of expression and to create a safer environment where journalists can work without fear of reprisals. They also call on the international community to apply pressure on Azerbaijan to uphold the rule of law and protect media workers.
The case of Ulviyya Ali and Ahmad Mammadli highlights the ongoing struggle for independent journalism in Azerbaijan and underscores the urgent need for reforms to protect press freedom in the country.
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